Jill Hazelbaker Departs Snapchat For Senior Comms Role At Uber

SAN FRANCISCO—Uber has hired Snapchat's Jill Hazelbaker as VP of communications and public policy, the latest move by the ride-sharing service to address some of the thorny regulatory issues it faces in the Americas region.

Hazelbaker, who spent just one year as Snapchat's head of communications, rejoins her former Google colleague Rachel Whetsone, to whom she will report. The move was first reported by Re/Code yesterday.

Whetstone joined Uber earlier this year as SVP of public policy and communications, after stepping down from Google's top comms post, while Hazelbaker led the internet giant's public affairs for five years prior to joining Snapchat.

"I am pumped to work with Jill," Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said in a statement. "She’s an optimistic leader who understands how to campaign, which is so important to Uber’s success."

Uber's communications team also includes former Obama aide David Plouffe, who shifted to a new role as chief advisor upon Whetstone's arrival. Along with public policy in the Americas, Hazelbaker will also handle corporate and executive communications.

Before joining Google in 2010, Hazelbaker worked in political communications, for John McCain and Michael Bloomberg.